Troy wide receiver B.J. Chitty is optimistic that having a season under his belt will make for a better 2012.

The 6-2, 197-pound sophomore from Dothan, Ala., says that adding a more physicality to his game will give him an added dimension.

"I just want to thrive on the good things I did last year," Chitty said. "I had some flaws, too many dropped balls. I'm just working on putting it all together. I've put on some weight and improved my speed to help add a more physical element to my game."

Chitty played in all 12 games last season hauling in 16 passes for 125 yards and a score.

The Northview High School product says he feels more comfortable playing at the Division I level heading in to this season and is letting the game come to him.

"It was kind of fast for me, I didn't know what to expect," Chitty said. "I know how to approach things a little different now and be a smarter player. Things have slowed down."

Being just 50 miles from home helped in the acclamation process as well.

"Mom can come to every home game," Chitty said. "She comes to most of the away games, too. It's good to have that family support."

Chitty was at the top of the depth chart in the spring at the Z-receiver spot but the return of the team's top deep threat in Chip Reeves, who was academically ineligible last season, will likely move him down in the rotation or to an inside position.

Either way, Troy's frequent receiver rotation will give Chitty plenty of opportunities to become a big factor in the Trojans' offense.